Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 7:00 – 8:30 AM PST
Speaker: Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Province of B.C.
Josie Osborne was elected as MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim in 2020.
She grew up on Vancouver Island and has lived in Tofino for more than 20 years, first moving there to work as a fisheries biologist for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and later as executive director of an environmental education non-profit organization.
Since November 2020, she has previously served as minister of Municipal Affairs and minister for Land, Water and Resource Stewardship.
She has significant experience in local government, including serving as mayor of Tofino from 2013-20 and as chair and vice-chair for the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District. During her time in local government, Josie chaired the Tofino Housing Corporation and was a strong proponent for active transportation and regional transit. She has served as chair of the board for the Island Coastal Economic Trust, and in 2017, she was appointed by the B.C. minister of environment and climate change to the BC Clean Growth and Climate Action Advisory Council.
Josie studied marine biology at the University of British Columbia and completed a master’s degree in resource management at Simon Fraser University. She has worked to advance sustainable development throughout her career in public service.
Josie and her husband live in Tofino with their dog.
Speaker: Tamlyn Botel, Regulatory Engagement Manager, Skeena Resources
Tamlyn Botel is the Regulatory Engagement Manager at Skeena Resources, a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the Eskay Creek and Snip Projects, two past-producing mines located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia. In this role, Tamlyn stewards Skeena’s relationship with Indigenous and local communities, including supporting implementation of the Section 7. Declaration Act relating to Tahltan assessment and decision making on the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project.
Previously, Tamlyn served as Executive Director of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, where she led the organization’s administration of agreements related to Teck Highland Valley Copper and engagement on the proposed HVC 2040 project, on behalf of 8 Nlaka’pamux participating Bands.
Tamlyn is passionate about the confluence of western science and indigenous knowledge and how they can be utilized to build understanding between industry and First Nations throughout the mining lifecycle. This passion is rooted both in her Nlaka’pamux heritage and technical background. Tamlyn holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria
Speaker: John Mullally, Head External Relations, Newmont North America, Newmont Corporation
Currently the Head, External Relations, North America for Newmont Corporation, John Mullally is a multilingual senior leader with deep experience in international and corporate relations whose career has spanned several continents in the private and public sectors.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and an MBA from INSEAD in France, John leverages his strong business acumen and passion for building meaningful partnerships with government, Indigenous communities and NGOs to create value for shareholders and communities impacted by resource development.
He has previously worked for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with a focus on West Africa, and currently serves on Board of Directors of Canadian charity, Hope Air.
Moderator: Michael Goehring, President & CEO, Mining Association of British Columbia
As President and CEO of MABC, Michael Goehring brings BC’s mining sector vision, passion and decades of experience providing public affairs and strategic communications counsel to leading natural resource companies in BC and Canada. He joined MABC following a successful career as partner in the Vancouver office of Canada’s largest communications firm, where he built a strong reputation advancing challenging public policy files and delivering successful advocacy and communications campaigns.
Michael is active in the community, having served as vice president of the board of directors of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association and president of the board of directors of the Turning Point Recovery Society. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Brenda and twin boys, Christopher and Liam.
A native of British Columbia, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and pursued Graduate Studies in International Political Economy at Simon Fraser University.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 7:00 – 8:30 AM PST
Speaker: Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, Province of B.C.
Bruce Ralston was first elected MLA for Surrey-Whalley in 2005. He previously served as the minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and as minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.
Ralston brings his understanding of trade and technology to the key priorities of the ministry, which include supporting the implementation of CleanBC – the government’s plan for climate action – and innovation in the clean technology sector.
Ralston was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver. He has degrees in history and law from the University of British Columbia and a degree in history from the University of Cambridge in England. Previously, he was a practicing lawyer for many years.
Speaker: Jennifer Gunter MRM, BC Community Forest Association
The Executive Director of the British Columbia Community Forest Association (BCCFA), Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in community forestry and community economic development. With a Master’s in Resource Management from Simon Fraser University, she is a passionate advocate for sustainable local economies and resilient ecosystems through community-based resource management. Her leadership at BCCFA has been pivotal in promoting inclusive approaches that benefit both local communities and ecosystems.
Speaker: Michael Armstrong, RPF, CPA, CA, Vice President & Chief Forester, BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)
Michael Armstrong, RPF, CPA, CA is Vice President and Chief Forester of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI). COFI is an industry association that represents forest companies in BC that produce wood for construction, pulp and paper, and bioenergy. The forest industry is foundational to many regional economies in BC and COFI members are committed to advancing sustainable forest management and Indigenous rights and reconciliation. In his role, Michael works on all forest related land base policies on behalf of COFI’s members with the provincial, Indigenous and federal governments.
Prior to joining COFI, Michael was Senior Manager at both PwC and KPMG. At these firms he worked on a variety of projects including managing the sales process for the Harmac Pulp Mill, the Mackenzie Pulp Mill, the Fort St. James sawmill, the Grand Forks sawmill and the Castlegar sawmill. He also was the lead auditor for the carbon credits generated from the Great Bear Rainforest, lead auditor for greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities across BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, conducted Sustainable Forest Initiative audits in the Southern US, and managed the Forest Science Program to distribute over $30 million to scientists working on forest research in BC. He also worked for five years at Canfor’s coastland operations as Assistant Forester after graduating from UBC Forestry.
Michael was a member of the Finance Committee Member for Forest Professionals BC (FPBC) for eight years and is currently on their Election Review Committee. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the co-chair for the Provincial Forestry Forum.
Moderator: Dallas Smith, President, Nanwakolas Council
Although Dallas was born in White Rock, The Island has always been home with both his parents coming from First Nations communities outside of Alert Bay and Port Hardy. He currently lives in Duncan with his wife Toni and 3 young daughters. As the son of a hereditary Chief he grew up knowing he would be a leader. He has worked for his people since 1995 after recovering from a life changing motorcycle accident in which he became an amputee. He most enjoys spending time with his family and practicing his culture, as they are drivers for both his professional work and his volunteer work for the disabled community.
He is the Founder, President and CEO of Nanwakolas Council which is a cutting edge First Nations organization that protects and manages First Nation cultural values while building strategic opportunities and partnerships with both Government and Industry to increase sustainable opportunities and employment for the region. His pragmatic and straight forward approach has made him a welcome addition to several Boards and Committees ranging from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust and the Coast Opportunity Fund (totaling $200 million) as well as GeoScience BC to Government advisory committees like the Premiers Council on the Environment and the Ministers Council on Employment for Peoples with Disabilities. He also serves as the Vice President of the BC Amputee Golf Association and works with both the Wounded Warriors program and First Swing clinics with military veterans who have returned from war as amputees. He is a member of the World Disabled Golf Team and has competed and won golf tournaments all over the world.
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:00 – 8:30 AM PST
Speaker: Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Province of B.C.
Nathan Cullen was elected MLA for Stikine in the 2020 provincial election.
He previously served as minister of Municipal Affairs, minister of state for Lands and Natural Resource Operations, as chair of the Environment and Land Use Committee and a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economy.
Nathan proudly served as Member of Parliament for the riding of Skeena-Bulkley Valley for 15 years, from 2004 to 2019. He is a strong advocate for the residents of Northern BC and has worked throughout his career to promote sustainable development.
During his time in Ottawa, Nathan was recognized multiple times by his peers at the Maclean’s Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. He also served as Official Opposition House Leader and held critic roles for Finance, Natural Resources, Environment, Ethics, and Democratic Reform.
Nathan has worked to encourage the participation of young people in politics and public policy and has supported young entrepreneurs in the Northwest in starting and growing their businesses.
Nathan has run a consulting business specializing in strategic planning and conflict resolution. He has previously worked in international development in Africa and South America.
He lives with his wife and twin sons in Smithers.
Speaker: Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Vice President, Corporate Relations and Environment – Innergex Renewable Energy
Colleen Giroux-Schmidt joined Innergex in 2011. As Vice President of Corporate Relations, she leads the engagement and relationship activities with all levels of government, communities, strategic partners, and other stakeholders. Her team focuses on policy research and advocacy, aiming to increase renewable energy opportunities and help jurisdictions achieve their climate change goals. In her additional role as Vice President of Environment, Colleen oversees Innergex’s environmental obligations and risks across all phases of the corporation’s renewable electricity projects, including development, construction, and operations. She provides strategic direction to a team of talented in-house environmental professionals responsible for studies, obtaining permits and approvals, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Colleen is instrumental in establishing and maintaining key relationships with community groups and regulatory agencies. Colleen is also responsible for the management of Innergex’s Vancouver office.
Colleen continues to participate in government working groups and task forces, both provincially and federally. She was appointed to Co-Chair BC’s Climate Solutions Council, a collaborative table of leaders representing First Nations, environmental organizations, industry, academia, youth, labour and local government in 2020 and continues the role today. She has served as a renewable energy expert on different panels, was appointed to the federal government’s Generation Energy Council and has received awards for her significant expertise and contribution to the renewable energy sector both in BC and across Canada.
Prior to joining Innergex, Colleen was Director, Environment and Manager, Major Projects at Plutonic Power Corporation and worked many years for the Association of Mineral Exploration BC. She served as the first female Chair of the Board of Directors for Clean Energy BC from 2014 through 2017 and assumed the position once again in 2024.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and English from Simon Fraser University.
Speaker: Donna Phillips, EVP Corporate Development, Pacific Canbriam Energy
Donna Phillips has over thirty years of professional experience in business with particular focus in the areas of finance, sustainability, Indigenous engagement, business development, government relations, stakeholder / community relations and land negotiations in the energy industry.
Ms. Phillips is the Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of Pacific Canbriam Energy Limited, a company with an organic natural gas growth story now producing >400 million standard cubic feet equivalent per day. She joined the company in 2007.
Ms. Phillips is Chair of the Board of Directors for Geoscience BC. She is a member of the Board of Directors for AnorTech Inc., Saltworks Technologies, Canadian Society for Evolving Energy (CSEE) and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN).
Ms. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina, a CPA CMA certification and the Institute of Corporate Directors Director designation (ICD.D).
Moderator: Geoff Morrison, Director of British Columbia, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
On September 1, 2024, Geoff Morrison was promoted to Director of British Columbia for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). Geoff has an extensive career with CAPP and has held several positions, including five enjoyable years based in Calgary. Since 2001, he has lived on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations (lək̓ʷəŋən People) in Victoria, British Columbia.
Throughout his career, Geoff has sought to provide advice that helps inform practical, balanced, and durable public policy solutions. In his new role, he continues to be a pragmatic advocate for Canada’s natural gas and oil industry and the responsible development of the province’s resources to meet the growing demand for secure, reliable, and affordable energy.
Geoff is a long-time board member of the B.C. Oil and Gas Research and Innovation Society (OGRIS). This organization promotes and funds research to improve the environmental performance and regulation of oil and natural gas activities, including enabling restoration initiatives in collaboration with Indigenous peoples.
Geoff was raised in Brampton, Ontario, and holds a Master of Arts in Economics from McGill University, concentrating on market solutions for environmental challenges. He is married and has three children who are studying at universities in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia. Geoff enjoys skiing, wilderness adventures, and learning about local history.